Speaking at the Vietnam–Poland Business Networking Event—jointly organised by the Promotion Centre of the Polish Chamber of Commerce and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ho Chi Minh City Branch (VCCI-HCM)—Ms Bui Thi Ninh, Deputy Director of VCCI-HCM, emphasised that Poland is not just a trading partner, but a close companion.

According to Ms Ninh, this year’s event marks the third consecutive year VCCI-HCM has partnered with the Polish Promotion Centre to roll out the "Taste Europe" campaign, and the second year for the "Drop of Excellence" project. Year on year, high-quality Polish exports such as apples, meats, and dairy products have steadily gained traction among Vietnamese consumers and businesses.

These results are the fruit of sustained engagement rather than isolated events. As 2026 marks the 76th anniversary of Vietnam–Poland diplomatic ties, the EVFTA continues to provide a robust framework for businesses to scale up mutually beneficial trade. The two economies are highly complementary: Poland stands as one of Europe’s leading food production and processing hubs, while Vietnam offers a dynamic consumer market and a strategic gateway to the ASEAN region.

Ms Ninh noted that this year’s networking itinerary was strategically structured. It kicked off with a media briefing in the afternoon, followed by an intimate Business Networking dinner, and wrapped up with an influencer engagement session designed to amplify the story and flavours of Polish cuisine to the Vietnamese public.

"VCCI-HCM remains fully committed to acting as a trusted bridge—supporting businesses from both nations in trade promotion, investment matchmaking, and capitalising on the EVFTA to drive robust growth in bilateral trade and investment," Ms Ninh stressed.

Taking a macroeconomic view, a representative from the Polish Investment and Trade Agency in Ho Chi Minh City highlighted that Vietnam’s proactive execution of free trade agreements has fuelled a powerful post-pandemic recovery in its foreign trade. Notably, the EVFTA serves as a foundational pillar, facilitating phased tariff reductions, streamlined certification processes, the removal of non-tariff barriers, and the harmonisation of rules of origin.

Data from the Statistics Poland (GUS) reveals that bilateral trade between the two countries has topped €7.3 billion. In 2025 alone, Polish exports to Vietnam exceeded €469 million, with agri-food products accounting for over €229.7 million (of which live animals and animal products made up more than €201 million). Iconic Polish exports include salmon fillets, dairy, pork, and poultry.

Conversely, imports from Vietnam to Poland hold a larger share, resulting in a trade deficit for the Polish side. Vietnam’s primary exports to Poland include rice, coffee, noodles, coconuts, seafood, and processed marine products.

Within the European Union, Poland ranks among the member nations enjoying the sharpest increase in trade turnover with Vietnam. The synergy between the two nations is clear: Poland is a top-tier European food production hub, while Vietnam boasts a dynamic consumer market of 100 million people alongside its strategic position within ASEAN. 

According to Mr Andrzej Arendarski, President of the Polish Chamber of Commerce, the economic potential between the two nations remains largely untapped. To further accelerate investment flows and trade, both sides need to focus on breakthrough strategies:

First, Poland aims to boost exports of high-quality meats and fresh fruits, targeting Vietnam’s rapidly expanding middle class with a keen appetite for unique, premium products. Conversely, Vietnam holds significant potential to export its signature spices, seafood, and tropical fruits to Poland.

Second, Vietnamese coffee in Poland is currently "waiting to be discovered", as local consumers have yet to appreciate its true value. Mr Andrzej Arendarski pointed out that it is currently used primarily for blending or is confined to Vietnamese restaurants, rather than being promoted as an independent brand.

Mr Andrzej Arendarski argued that Vietnamese coffee needs to become a mainstream staple on Polish café menus, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of Cappuccino or Americano. To achieve this, he suggested Vietnamese enterprises invest heavily in marketing and brand identity through product tastings, collaborations with influencers from both nations, and regular Vietnamese coffee festivals in Poland.

Mr Arendarski also revealed that new institutional frameworks will soon be launched to support these commercial goals. Chief among these is the upcoming debut of the Vietnam–Poland Chamber of Commerce, which will provide strategic consultancy for businesses looking to enter either market or expand across the wider EU space.

Furthermore, leveraging the Vietnamese diaspora in Poland is seen as vital. Mr Arendarski noted that the Vietnamese community—now thriving into its second generation—is an invaluable asset. With a deep understanding of both Vietnamese culture and Polish market regulations, they are perfectly positioned to act as effective consultants and facilitators for businesses.

The alignment of pro-business policies under the EVFTA, the active stewardship of trade promotion bodies like VCCI-HCM and the Polish Chamber of Commerce, and the sheer determination of the business community promise to propel Vietnam–Poland economic relations into a new era of breakthrough, sustainable growth.